Pullbacks, also known as pickups, are one of the most important steps in tap dance, but they're also one of the hardest to pick up. But with the help of this article, you'll know the tips and tricks to figuring out pullbacks in tap.

Steps

1

Practice your backward flap. A pullback is two simultaneous backward flaps, so you'll need to know how to flap backwards.

2

Find a surface to lean on. This can be a ballet barre, a table, or any other surface that can support your weight.

3

Try your first. You'll want to do only one at a time to start with. Stand with your heels on the ground. Then, lean back and balance on your heels. Finally, flap backward with both feet at once. This will seem nearly impossible at first, but keep trying, and be sure to use your leaning surface as needed to help out.

4

Go faster. Try going through the process more quickly once you catch the concept. Instead of balancing on your heels, just shift your weight onto them before you pull back.

5

Do several in a row. Once you feel that you can do pullbacks well, try doing one, then putting your heels back down and doing another. Repeat this process for as long as you can slowly.

Don't put down your heels. You'll have to be quite comfortable with pullbacks to be ready for this, but once you reach that point, just do the pullback without putting down your heels between each one. This is often easier at a higher tempo than lower, so try doing it quickly first.

8

Keep practicing. The more you practice, the more quickly you'll pick everything up. You may spend only a few days learning pullbacks, and you may spend several years mastering the technique, but keep at it.